Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G: The best 85mm prime on a NikonD3x?

Achieving an Overall DxOMark Score of 35 the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G prime lens is the best 85mm lens we’ve tested on the Nikon D3x DSLR. Scoring 17P-Mpix for sharpness, which is above the average of 15 P-Mpix on our database for 85mm primes, with a good 1.9TStop Transmission score and virtually no distortion, optically this is a very good lens. At just 4um Chromatic Aberration is well controlled too, although the weakest aspect of the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G is vignetting, which is strong when shooting at the maximum aperture of f/1.8.

That DxOMark Lens Metric Score for Sharpness of 17P-Mpix places the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G 3rd out of the 14 85mm prime lenses on our database (Full Frame mount for Canon, Nikon and Sony camera). This is just behind the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G with a score of 19 P-Mpix and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM for Canon also with 17 P-Mpix.

Scoring 17P-Mpix for sharpness when tested on a Nikon D3X the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G prime lens is the 3rd sharpest of all 85mm lenses on DxoMark.

As you’d hope from a prime lens the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G delivers excellent sharpness at all aperture settings up to f/11 with only a minimal dip in performance at its minimum aperture setting of f/16. Importantly sharpness is also homogeneous across the frame, which means photographers can expect great edge-to-edge sharpness at all aperture settings from f/1.8 to f/16.

Excellent Sharpness is maintained on the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G at all apertures up to f/11 with only minimal drop off at f/16

Image sharpness on the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G is homogenous across the frame at all aperture settings from f/1.8 to f/16.

One of the weaker aspects of the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G lens however is corner shading, or vignetting, when shooting at wider aperture settings. Between f/4 to f/16 it’s well controlled but stopped down to f/2.8 the undesired effect starts to become visible and at the maximum aperture of f/1.8 it’s positively heavy.

Corning shading on the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G is evident using apertures of f/2.8 and wider with shots at f/1.8 requiring correction in post-production.

Shooting at the widest aperture vignetting encroaches well into the frame and is only removed completely with the aperture stopped down to f/4

Further readings for the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G review: An awesome prime that doesn’t cost the earth

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

Announced in February 2012 the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f/1.8 is a ‘fast’ telephoto prime for the Micro Four Thirds Lens mount. With an equivalent 150mm focal length it’s a good option for portraiture or sports and the wide f/1.8 maximum aperture is great for low light, too. Costing $899 it’s an expensive option for serious amateurs or professionals alike, so if it’s a lens you’re considering read on to make sure it delivers the results you desire.

Comments

Nikon 85mm f/1,8G halo / axial cromatic aberration

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The Nikon 85mm f/1,8G is a good lens for portraits. However, the halo (or axial croma) is really strong, creating magenta fringe in high contrast area. I get also the green fringe in artificial light in contrast bokeh-area, and this can't be corrected easily with CS6 or NX2. Therefor I don't like to use it outdoors. I don't see you mentioning anything about this feature in your review. Strange (unless there is something wrong with the particular lens that I have), since this is more difficult problem than vignetting. AF is also rather slow, not for capturing fast-moving children.

I noticed this weaknes in the shop, therefor had no unpleasent surprises after unboxing it home.